-
08 Feb ' 16:16
February 8, 2012 4:10 PMUpdates since early This Morning California pension reform group suspends initiative campaign -- Although the group had drafted two measures that qualified for signature collection, it couldn't raise the $2 million or so needed to mount the petition effort for either one. Jon Ortiz in the Sacramento BeeJUDY LINAPPatrick McGreevy LA Times PolitiCal -- 2/8/12
High-speed rail touted in jobs coalition's new radio campaign -- A coalition representing Northern and Central California contractors and union construction workers launched a radio campaign this week applauding the state's proposed high-speed rail system. Jim Sanders SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/8/12
LAO sees problems with Jerry Brown's higher education plan -- The Legislative Analyst's Office raised concerns with Gov. Jerry Brown's higher education budget in a new report today, including his plans to tighten Cal Grant requirements and automatically increase funding if his tax plan passes. Kevin Yamamura SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/8/12
Part-time Legislature a bad idea, ex-leader Dario Frommer says -- Former Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer does not share the nostalgia of those who want the California Legislature to return to being a part-time body. Patrick McGreevy LA Times PolitiCal -- 2/8/12
Assembly speaker wants to trade tax breaks for scholarships -- Assembly Speaker John Pérez announced Wednesday he will push to end corporate tax breaks in order to lower tuition by two-thirds for middle-class, California students at state universities. Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/8/12
Myers: Another Shot at Tax Break Democrats Love to Hate -- For the last several years, Democrats have been relentless at trying to undo a hotly debated tax incentive for large corporations that was signed into law as part of the 2009 deal. And now they're launching another shot. John MyersCapitol Notes -- 2/8/12
California Democrats Push to End Tax Break to Generate College-Tuition Aid -- California should calculate business taxes solely on in-state sales as a way to generate as much as $1 billion a year and use the money to subsidize college tuition for middle-class students, legislative Democrats say. Michael B. MaroisBloomberg -- 2/8/12
Fox: Spending Limit Launched -- The Attorney General issued the title and summary for the spending limit proposal yesterday emphasizing the proposal’s goal of not only controlling government spending but also cutting down the “wall of debt” Governor Jerry Brown rightly criticizes as burden to state government and its taxpayers. Joel FoxFox & Hounds -- 2/8/12
It’s California time for Newt Gingrich -- Newt Gingrich is headed to California next week to bolster his campaign’s dwindling bank account. GINGER GIBSONPolitico -- 2/8/12
Boehner vows to fight new contraceptive rules -- In a rare show of political force, House Speaker John A. Boehnertook to the House floor to criticize the Obama administration's new rules on contraceptives and vowed the GOP-led chamber will work to overturn what he characterized as an attack on religious freedoms. Lisa Mascaro in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/8/12
AP Enterprise: CA mine dispute recalls wild past -- California's Gold Rush was more than a century-and-a-half ago, but its Wild West spirit lives on in a dispute between government agencies and a landowner in the Sierra Nevada foothills that some officials describe as one of the most egregious cases of illegal mining they have ever encountered. DON THOMPSONAP -- 2/8/12
House insider trading bill targets Nancy Pelosi -- House leaders are engaged in all manner of politicking over the so-called STOCK act, which would make clear that members of Congress and top officials of the executive branch are covered by rules against insider trading, defined as profiting from privileged information gained from their work. It’s so popular that a voice vote is scheduled for tomorrow. Carolyn LochheadChronicle Politics -- 2/8/12
California wildlife agency to sue feds over levee tree policy -- The California Department of Fish and Game intends to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its controversial policy banning trees on levees, warning the policy could devastate wildlife and riparian habitat. Matt Weiser in the Sacramento Bee -- 2/8/12
-
08 Feb ' 05:43
February 8, 2012 2:58 AMFood stamp line drops 350,000 calls a month -- Five of every six calls to the San Diego County phone network designed to help people apply for food stamps and other benefits don’t get through, and those that do face an average wait of more than 30 minutes, an internal county report concludes. Jeff McDonald -- 2/8/12
California Speaker Pérez wants to cut college costs -- California students from middle-income families would receive massive breaks on tuition and fees at the state's colleges and universities under legislation Assembly Speaker John Pérez plans to introduce today at the Capitol. -- 2/8/12
Democrats gear up to fight part-time Legislature measure -- Political consultant Steve Maviglio, former spokesman for Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, said today that he has joined forces with Burbank attorney Dario Frommer, a former Assembly majority leader. Fundraising has not yet begun, Maviglio said. Jim Sanders -- 2/8/12
California Gov. Jerry Brown denies parole for 71 murderers -- California Gov. Jerry Brown pardoned 21 people in his first year in office and rejected parole for 71 first- and second-degree murderers who had been recommended for release by the parole board. -- 2/8/12
Jerry Brown affirming more releases of killers than Schwarzenegger, Gray Davis -- Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown is far more likely to allow the release of paroled killers from prison than either of California's two previous governors, newly released records show. Jim Sanders -- 2/8/12
GEOFFREY A. FOWLERJESS BRAVINWall Street Journal -- 2/8/12
Proposition 8 lawyer vows to appeal 'one way or the other' -- The fight over California's same-sex marriage ban has been presumed for years to be destined for the U.S. Supreme Court, and a lawyer for Proposition 8 backers confirmed today that they'll appeal this morning's decision "one way or the other." David Siders -- 2/8/12
California was ahead of the curve on gay marriage — for a while -- California's early granting of same-sex marriage licenses led to the backlash culminating in Proposition 8, banning the unions. Meanwhile, other states have passed the state by on the rights issue. Scott Gold, Jessica GarrisonMaria L. La Ganga -- 2/8/12
Morain: Marriage equality gets Wall St. talk, not money -- As the 9th Circuit Court was striking down Proposition 8, the chairman of Goldman Sachs, probably the nation's most powerful investment bank, was taking an out-front stand in favor of same-sex marriage. Dan Morain -- 2/8/12
Walters: Proposition 8 ruling is aimed at U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy -- The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has a hard-won reputation for issuing sweeping, precedent-setting and liberal rulings that are often overturned by the more conservative U.S. Supreme Court. -- 2/8/12
Saunders: Shaky grounds for Prop. 8 ruling -- Two of three judges on a Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Tuesday found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Judge Stephen Reinhardt stipulated that the ruling skirted the larger issue of whether same-sex couples have a right to marry. -- 2/8/12
CalBuzz: Hank Plante on Prop 8: The Arc of History is Clear -- Tuesday’s court victory upholding same-sex marriage in California should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention to changing public opinion on gay rights. Hank PlanteCalBuzz -- 2/8/12
Sam Aanestad to run for Congress, setting up battle with fellow Republican Doug LaMalfa -- Aanestad's newly retained campaign spokesman, former California Republican Party communications director Mark Standriff, confirmed Tuesday that Aanestad will run in the 1st Congressional District. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, will be his campaign chairman, Standriff said. -- 2/8/12
Herdt: A way to keep score in California politics -- As he was wrapping up his just-concluded term as mayor of Ventura, Bill Fulton observed that the job was not without its political challenges. Timm HerdtVentura Star -- 2/8/12
Governor appoints tribal adviser -- Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed a member of a Northern California gaming tribe as his tribal adviser, a $140,000-a year post to foster communication between the administration and the state’s 115 federally recognized tribes. JIM MILLERRiverside Press -- 2/8/12
Welders question PG&E's gas pipeline work -- Pacific Gas and Electric Co.'s old gas lines are riddled with potentially lethal weld flaws, and new welding that the company's crews did during pipeline testing last year is suspect, two veteran welders told state regulators this week. Jaxon Van Derbeken -- 2/8/12
Oakland assembles team for last-ditch stadium plan -- Cash-strapped Oakland is on the verge of putting up $3 million for the designers of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis - site of Sunday's Super Bowl - to work their magic and come up with a new stadium and sports complex out at the Coliseum. Phillip Matier, Andrew -- 2/8/12
CalSTRS displeased by Facebook's lack of women on board -- CalSTRS has issues with Facebook Inc. as the social networking giant prepares its epic initial public stock offering. -- 2/8/12
San Diego supervisors oppose pet grooming bill -- Saying the existing measure goes too far, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday opposed legislation that would force pet groomers to obtain a license, undergo training and comply with a number of work related conditions. -- 2/8/12
Giving and Receiving Realtors are biggest campaign givers to Californians in Congress -- The National Assn. of Realtors is the largest campaign contributor to members of Congress from California in recent years, according to a watchdog study that depicts the nation as a sort of United States of Special Interests. -- 2/8/12
Oakland backs off increasing Occupy enforcement -- Oakland's City Council, amid a rowdy crowd of protesters, narrowly backed off a resolution Tuesday that would have beefed up law enforcement at Occupy protests. Carolyn JonesSan Francisco ChronicleMatt Artz -- 2/8/12
Redevelopment fallout: Westminster to lay off 48 -- Faced with a massive budget deficit and the elimination of its biggest funding source, Westminster sent 48 layoff notices to city employees Tuesday. JON CASSIDY -- 2/8/12
California green jobs more recession resistant, study says -- While many industries in California were buckling under the weight of the recession, so-called green businesses were struggling too -- just not as much, according to a new report. Tiffany Hsu -- 2/8/12
Sacramento loses clean-tech jobs in 2010, for first time since 1999 -- Sacramento's green economy employed 200 fewer people in 2010, the first industrywide job decline since 1995, according to a new report. Sacramento Bee -- 2/8/12
Hiltzik: Sending manufacturing overseas is not the easy road -- Manufacturing products overseas is an easy way to save money, right? Jerry Rosenstein would beg to differ. Michael Hiltzik -- 2/8/12
California teachers' retirement fund commits $500 million to infrastructure -- The pension fund Tuesday announced a partnership with Industry Funds Management of Melbourne, Australia. The deal shows the increased appetite for investing in public works projects by big institutional investors. Dale KaslerSacramento Bee -- 2/8/12
Los Angeles’s $100,000 Carpenters Show Influence of Water Department Union -- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power had the highest-paid public employees in the city, earning on average 40 percent more than other municipal workers, even those with identical job titles. Christopher PalmeriRodney YapBloomberg -- 2/8/12
Baron: Leg. Analyst wants to redirect Quality Education Investment Act funds -- Nearly 30 percent of California schools funded under the Quality Education Investment Act, or QEIA, may be expelled from the program at the end of this academic year for not meeting one or more of the requirements. -- 2/8/12
Supper is now on the menu at some California schools -- You’ve heard about free school lunches and breakfasts, but how about school suppers? In California, dinners are now being served to students at almost 200 schools. Sue FreyEdSource -- 2/8/12
Valley community colleges will stay open this summer -- State Center Community College District trustees on Tuesday dropped a proposal to eliminate summer school in June, opting instead to make budget trims that will preserve summer classes. Eddie JimenezFresno Bee -- 2/8/12
Lopez: Will L.A. Unified's response to abuse allegations pass muster? -- Administrators removed Mark Berndt from the classroom last year, long after complaints were first raised. Now, parents are mixed on transferring the entire staff as the investigation continues and upset that information was kept from them. Steve Lopez -- 2/8/12
San Diego deregulates urban agriculture -- What started as a nonprofit group’s entanglement with bureaucracy while trying to plow a community garden in an impoverished neighborhood has ended with California’s second-largest city relaxing its rules on farmers’ markets and making it easier to grow crops and keep farm animals in residential areas. David OgulHealthyCal.org -- 2/8/12
Immigration Feds appoint immigration public advocate -- Immigration officials announced Tuesday a new public advocate tasked with tackling questions and complaints about immigration law-enforcement policies. CINDY CARCAMO -- 2/8/12
-- Continuing a 93-year fight to control immigration, American Legion leaders are rallying military veterans to convince California voters they should require police to enforce federal immigration law. Matt O’Brien -- 2/8/12
Sacramento Strong mayor bid fails again; citizens review gets ballot nod -- The Sacramento City Council prefers a 15-person commission to suggest overhauling the city constitution over anything Mayor Kevin Johnson has proposed. Ryan Lillis in the Sacramento Bee -- 2/8/12
Brown Act Has Nothing To Do With First Amendment, Expert Says -- It’s been just two weeks since prosecutors from Los Angeles country lambasted the city’s Board of Supervisors for violating the state’s open meeting laws last year. Benjamin Gottlieb USC Neon Tommy -- 2/8/12
As anti-piracy bills stall, activists switch focus to web tracking legislation -- After stalling two measures in Congress that would have made it easier for law enforcement to go after alleged copyright scofflaws, digital rights activists might now be turning their attention to a lesser-noticed bill aimed at requiring Internet companies to store identifying information about their customers. G.W. Schulz -- 2/8/12
Bike theft on the rise at BART stations -- Jay Fraser knows what it's like to lock a bicycle at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station and return to an empty rack. Agustin ArmendarizMihir Zaveri -- 2/8/12
White House tries to quell birth control storm -- President Barack Obama’s campaign and White House teams are groping for a solution to an increasingly ugly election-year controversy. CARRIE BUDOFF BROWNJ. LESTER FEDERPolitico -- 2/8/12
Obama Tries to Ease Ire on Contraception Rule -- Facing vocal opposition from religious leaders and an escalating political fight, the White House sought on Tuesday to ease mounting objections to a new administration rule that would require health insurance plans — including those offered by Catholic universities and charities — to offer birth control to women free of charge. HELENE COOPER and KATHARINE Q. SEELYE -- 2/8/12
Obama campaign fears being sharply outspent by GOP super PACs -- The Obama campaign, which shattered all records for political fundraising in 2008, has concluded that it could be dramatically outspent this year by the GOP nominee and allied conservative groups, which are able to tap a deep well of money unavailable in previous contests, according to senior aides and advisers. and Dan Balz -- 2/8/12
A Turn in the Winner’s Circle, With an Uncertain Effect on a Shifting Race -- Rick Santorum’s victories on Tuesday represent his first breakout moments in the Republican presidential contest since he belatedly scraped to the top in Iowa more than a month ago. KATHARINE Q. SEELYE -- 2/8/12
Rick Santorum wins Republican votes in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado -- His victories are setbacks for Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney — and for Newt Gingrich's hopes of being the conservative alternative to Romney. Paul West -- 2/8/12
As Massachusetts governor, Romney had an unremarkable record on jobs -- An overheated industry has gone bust. A tepid economy is not producing enough jobs. And a successful businessman promises he can use his private-sector experience to jump-start the economy. Jia Lynn Yang -- 2/8/12
STOCK Act embitters the House -- Popular legislation to curb insider trading by lawmakers took on a contentious and partisan edge Tuesday, with Nancy Pelosi and Eric Cantor coming under attack. Peter Schroeder -- 2/8/12
-
08 Feb ' 00:53
February 7, 2012 10:23 PMSantorum wins Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota -- Rick Santorum scored another victory Tuesday night in Minnesota's caucuses, fueling the former Pennsylvania senator's case that he is the leading conservative alternative to Mitt Romney in the GOP race. Michael A. Memoli
Santorum's gamble pays off -- The cash-strapped candidate chose to skip ahead in the primary calendar to court conservative electorates in the three states that voted Tuesday — Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri — while GOP front-runner Mitt Romney and chief challenger Newt Gingrich battled each other in the expensive state of Florida. Santorum's gamble paid off. PHILIP ELLIOTTAP -- 2/7/12
-
07 Feb ' 19:53
February 7, 2012 7:29 PMSantorum deals Romney a setback by winning Missouri -- Rick Santorum dealt Mitt Romney a setback Tuesday night, winning the presidential primary in Missouri as Republicans in three states voted on a day that could produce a shift in the momentum of the 2012 race. Paul West
Brown grants 21 pardons, denies parole for convicted murderers -- Gov. Jerry Brown pardoned 21 people in his first year in office and rejected parole for 71 first- and second-degree murderers who had been recommended for release by the parole board. Anthony YorkLos Angeles Times -- 2/7/12
Los Angeles Times in the in the John HowardCapitol Weekly -- 2/7/12
-
07 Feb ' 15:35
February 7, 2012 2:47 PMGinny LaRoeThe Recorder
Prop. 8 decision cites Marx (Groucho), Monroe (Marilyn) and Kennedy (Anthony) -- It's not every day that a federal appeals court cites late comedian Groucho Marx in a decision, especially one as important as overturning California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 2/7/12
Dissenting Prop. 8 judge says 'optimal partnership' is man, woman -- The social divide over same-sex marriage rights was apparent even in the opinion issued Tuesday by a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals declaring Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional in California. Carol J. Williams in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/7/12
Proposition 8 backers seek funds for gay marriage fight -- Dismayed gay marriage opponents made urgent fund-raising calls Tuesday following an appeals court decision declaring California's same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional. Carol J. Williams and Jessica Garrison in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/7/12
Gavin Newsom, who initiated California gay marriage, hails ruling -- The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling striking down Proposition 8 was cheered by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who kicked off the gay marriage debate eight years ago as mayor of San Francisco by allowing same-sex couples there to get marriage licenses. Nicholas Riccardi in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/7/12
Realtors biggest campaign givers to Californians in Congress -- The National Assn. of Realtors is the largest campaign contributor to members of Congress from California, according to a study released Tuesday that shows the nation as a sort of United States of Special Interests. Jim Puzzanghera in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/7/12
Ex-GOP Sen. Sam Aanestad to run for California House seat -- Former Republican Sen. Sam Aanestad has decided to enter the race for a vacant Northern California congressional seat, setting the stage for a same-party showdown with Republican Sen. Doug LaMalfa. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/7/12
Sen. McCain takes aim at fees earned by Sacramento lawyer advising Indian tribe -- U.S. Sen. John McCain is complaining to federal Indian gaming officials about the millions earned by Sacramento attorney Howard Dickstein, the lawyer for Thunder Valley Casino and its tribal owner. Dale Kasler in the Sacramento Bee -- 2/7/12
Evans: No pink dome support this year, despite Komen actions -- The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation's efforts to diffuse controversy surrounding its funding dispute with Planned Parenthood hasn't improved the breast cancer charity's standing with the California Legislative Women's Caucus. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/7/12
Fox: Brown and Friends Put the Squeeze on Initiatives -- Molly Munger and I are not in the same corners when it comes to ballot measures proposed for the November ballot but we do have one thing in common: Governor Brown and his allies are trying to knock both of our initiatives out before they make the ballot. Joel FoxFox & Hounds -- 2/7/12
Rarick: Why Republicans Need Sunscreen and Flip-Flops -- The new voter registration statistics are bad news for Republicans, and the closer you look, the worse it becomes for the GOP. Ethan RarickFox & Hounds -- 2/7/12
Guess who’s running for president -- For instance, how did I miss the fact that actress, comedienne and nut farmer Roseanne Barr is running for president? Josh RichmanPolitical Blotter -- 2/7/12
Nathan and the Duke -- You have to know a little bit about Nathan Fletcher's carefully constructed biography to recognize it. In there, among the Marine combat tour in Iraq, the small business experience and the two terms in the state Legislature reads this line: "District Director, 50th Congressional District." Liam DillonVoiceofsandiego.org -- 2/7/12
No, pizza is not a vegetable, says USDA undersecretary -- Is pizza a vegetable? Do American kids really need more potatoes? Should kids have access to high-sugar, high-salt foods in vending machines during the school day? Can teachers serve cupcakes for special school celebrations? Pia Lopez in the Sacramento Bee -- 2/7/12
Newt Gingrich to speak at California Republican Party convention -- The former House Speaker has agreed to speak during a Saturday luncheon at the state Republican Party convention, which runs from Feb. 24-26 in Burlingame. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol AlertJosh RichmanPolitical Blotter -- 2/7/12
Romney’s Returns Revive Scrutiny of Offshore Tax Shelters -- Mitt Romney’s tax returns have drawn political scrutiny on multiple fronts, like his relatively low tax rates and the money parked in a Swiss bank account. But on Capitol Hill, his returns have caught the eyes of members of both parties for what appears to be his use of a type of complex shelter that has been debated for years in battles over evasion and fairness in the tax code. JONATHAN WEISMAN in the New York Times -- 2/7/12
Reid, Senate Dems accuse GOP of seeking to derail economic recovery -- Senate Democratic leaders on Tuesday accused Republicans of trying to derail the national economic recovery for political purposes after talks to extend the payroll tax holiday hit a wall. Alexander BoltonThe Hill -- 2/7/12
Who is Facebook’s PAC Funding for 2012 – A Look Inside the Pre-IPO Leadership’s Political Action -- Here’s a glimpse of personal funding for 2012 among Facebook corporate members: Judy LloydFox & Hounds -- 2/7/12
Four Yahoo board members departing, including Chairman Roy Bostock -- The mass turnover follows last month's exit of Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang and the appointment of new CEO Scott Thompson, former president of PayPal, as Yahoo seeks drastic changes in order to reverse a downward trajectory that has seen it lose advertising market share and influence to Google and Facebook. Jeremy C. Owens in the Contra Costa Times -- 2/7/12
California immigration crackdown campaign to enlist American Legion members -- Continuing a 93-year fight to control immigration, American Legion leaders are rallying veterans to convince California voters they should require police to enforce federal immigration law. Matt O'Brien in the Contra Costa Times -- 2/7/12
-
07 Feb ' 11:17
February 7, 2012 11:07 AMUpdates since early This Morning Prop. 8: Gay-marriage ban unconstitutional, court rules -- A federal appeals court Tuesday struck down California's ban on same-sex marriage, clearing the way for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on gay marriage as early as next year. Maura Dolan in the Los Angeles TimesBob Egelko in the San Francisco ChronicleDavid Siders in the Sacramento BeeHoward Mintz in the San Jose MercuryMatthew T. HallUT SandiegoBRIAN JOSEPH in the Orange County Register -- 2/7/12
AP Enterprise: Brown bank regulator an insider -- Gov. Jerry Brown's appointee to head the department that oversees banking, financial and consumer regulations in California led a trade association that fought against tighter lending restrictions before the subprime mortgage crisis exploded and was an executive with Washington Mutual when the now-failed bank was among the most aggressive marketers of loans to high-risk borrowers. JULIET WILLIAMSAP -- 2/7/12
California Holding Out on Foreclosure Agreement -- California was one of a handful of states that did not meet a Monday deadline to sign on to an agreement with the nation's five largest mortgage servicers on how to compensate homeowners who wrongfully lost their homes to foreclosure. AARON GLANTZBay Citizen -- 2/7/12
-
07 Feb ' 04:13
February 7, 2012 2:37 AMCompeting California tax measures move ahead without Brown's blessings -- But Brown, whose plan would raise income taxes on those making $250,000 or more and hike the sales tax by a half cent, is feeling the heat from the left: two other groups who are seeking to place tax-hike initiatives on the November ballot made it clear Monday they are in the race for the long haul. Steven HarmonJohn MyersCapitol NotesWyatt Buchanan -- 2/7/12
Walters: Jerry Brown's tax plan takes a double hit -- Gov. Jerry Brown's campaign to balance the state budget with new income and sales taxes took a double hit Monday. -- 2/7/12
Budget overshadows push for local control over schools -- Gov. Jerry Brown’s education agenda is framed by an underlying commitment to hand off more control to local school officials, whether it’s over budgets or tests. Michael GardnerUT Sandiego -- 2/7/12
Initiative would make Legislature part time, slash its pay -- A proposal by Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) probably won't make her many friends among her colleagues. She wants to reduce the Legislature to part-time status and cut its pay from $95,000 annually to $1,500 a month. Patrick McGreevy -- 2/7/12
Obama administration rejects Medi-Cal copayments -- Federal health officials on Monday said California cannot force Medi-Cal recipients to make a co-pay for doctor visits and prescription drugs, a decision that brings relief to low-income patients but complicates the state's effort to close a $9.2 billion budget deficit. JUDY LIN -- 2/7/12
Ex-Caltrans engineer faces charge of illegal exporting -- The federal government has charged a former Caltrans civil engineer with trying to illegally export $550,000 worth of radiation-hardened computer circuits used in satellite communications to China, according to a Colorado grand jury indictment. Jon Ortiz -- 2/7/12
California: AFSCME Picks Berman Over Sherman -- Rep. Howard Berman (Calif.) has won the endorsement of a second major labor union in the last month for his primary battle with fellow Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman. Kyle TrygstadRoll Call -- 2/7/12
Ruling expected on constitutionality of gay marriage ban -- A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to decide Tuesday whether California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, violates the federal Constitution. -- 2/7/12
-- A face-off between Occupy Oakland activists and members of a new group that formed to protest their tactics erupted Monday in front of Oakland City Hall, with both sides accusing each other of missing the point of the Occupy movement. Justin Berton, Demian Bulwa, Kevin Fagan -- 2/7/12
California may re-enter talks on mortgage relief for homeowners -- California is inching closer to rejoining the nationwide settlement talks with major U.S. lenders over mortgage abuse. Rick Daysog -- 2/7/12
Proposal to establish rights for domestic workers splits lawmakers -- Maria Moctezuma's workday began at 6 a.m. and often ran until midnight when she was nanny, housekeeper and cook for a family of four in Rancho Cucamonga. Patrick McGreevy -- 2/7/12
CalPERS vows to push giant Preservation Ranch vineyard project -- CalPERS, the giant state workers pension fund, has ended several months of uncertainty by signaling to Sonoma County that it intends to move forward with a huge, controversial timber-to-vineyard conversion project near Annapolis. BRETT WILKISONSanta Rosa Press -- 2/7/12
CalSTRS funding gap widens, so does solution -- The CalSTRS board last week adopted a lower earnings forecast, making it more likely that a century-old tradition of underfunding at one of the nation’s oldest public pension funds is likely to continue. Ed MendelCalpensions.com -- 2/7/12
Fisker lays off workers, wants to renegotiate federal loan -- Fisker Automotive has stopped work at a former General Motors auto plant in Delaware where it plans to build Project Nina, a family-size plug-in hybrid that is expected to sell for about $50,000. The Anaheim-based auto company laid off 26 workers at the plant and let go 40 contract employees working at its headquarters. That leaves the company with about 600 employees working on automotive development in Anaheim. Jerry Hirsch -- 2/7/12
Staff of Miramonte replaced pending sex abuse inquiry -- L.A. Unified Supt. John Deasy seeks to assure angry parents, who demonstrated at campus over allegations against two teachers. Officials say no other instructors are under suspicion. Howard Blume, Sam AllenAngel JenningsRobert JablonAP -- 2/7/12
Fensterwald: LAO praises Brown budget … but not big cuts for schools if taxes fail -- With some differences over details, the Legislative Analyst’s Office has commended Gov. Jerry Brown’s overall approach to school spending and what he’d do with the higher taxes he’s asking voters to approve. Where they disagree is over what should happen if the extra money doesn’t come and the state budget has to be cut. -- 2/7/12
Baron: Will the real Transitional Kindergarten stand up -- It’s getting so that understanding the budgetary machinations of Transitional Kindergarten requires a master’s degree, or maybe a Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Pin. Kathryn BaronTopEd -- 2/7/12
For many, affordable healthcare hinges on Supreme Court vote -- The high court will vote this year on a requirement in Obama's healthcare reform law that people buy insurance, which insurers see as a quid pro quo for accepting those with preexisting conditions. David Lazarus -- 2/7/12
Prime Healthcare drops bid for N.J. hospital -- Prime Healthcare Services pulled its bid to buy a New Jersey hospital last week, saying it was deferring to the wishes of local elected officials who wanted to see the hospital remain a locally operated nonprofit. Christina JewettLance Williams -- 2/7/12
San Francisco mayor backs stricter ban on plastic bags -- The proposal to expand San Francisco's ban on plastic bags and to impose a 10-cent charge on all other bags handed out at the checkout stand or takeout counter now has Mayor Ed Lee's firm backing, all but assuring strong support for the proposal at the Board of Supervisors today. Rachel Gordon -- 2/7/12
Coastal cities to consider plastic bag ban -- Laguna Beach and Dana Point will consider ordinances Tuesday night that would prohibit businesses from handing out single-use plastic bags to customers. The ordinances aim to reduce plastic waste, especially bags that litter ocean waters and harm marine life. CLAUDIA KOERNERFRANK SHYONGOrange County Register -- 2/7/12
Stanford team develops plan for electric highway -- With new state regulations demanding an increase in the number of clean and green cars, the future is looking bright for electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf. -- 2/7/12
Cox to join protest of House transportation bill -- San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, a life-long advocate for bicycling, will join a group of health, business and community leaders on Wednesday in City heights to protest the U.S. House transportation funding bill which is gutted of support of cycling and pedestrian projects. Robert J. HawkinsUT Sandiego -- 2/7/12
State says motorists change oil too often -- With almost 10 million California residents changing their oil every 3,000 miles or less, state officials said motorists need to rethink their habits as auto technology advances allow vehicles to go farther without maintenance. ALEJANDRA MOLINAOrange County Register -- 2/7/12
To Survive a Quake, New Bay Bridge Span Will Offer Least Resistance -- The new eastern span of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco is designed to go with the flow if a major earthquake strikes. HENRY FOUNTAIN -- 2/7/12
Airport covered fees for big airlines; little guys had to pay -- John Wayne Airport fronted more than $200,000 in transportation fees for two airlines, even as it stunned other airport tenants with notices that they would have to pay on their own, records show. Doug IrvingOrange County Register -- 2/7/12
Obama gives blessing to a super PAC -- Fearing a tide of spending by outside conservative groups, President Obama is giving his blessing to a pro-Democratic Party “super PAC” that will work to help his reelection, his campaign said late Monday. Dan Eggen -- 2/7/12
Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers' properties -- Thirty-three members of Congress have directed more than $300 million in earmarks and other spending provisions to dozens of public projects that are next to or within about two miles of the lawmakers’ own property, according to a Washington Post investigation. David S. Fallis, Scott HighamKimberly KindyWashington Post -- 2/7/12
Clint Eastwood weighs in on Chrysler ad -- Clint Eastwood responded Monday night to the debate over whether response his Super Bowl ad for Chrysler was an implicit endorsement of President Obama. Rachel WeinerWashington PostJames Oliphant -- 2/7/12
Saunders: Newt Gingrich should have kept it in Vegas -- Losing candidates usually congratulate the winner - first by telephone and then in front of their supporters. Not Newt Gingrich. When he loses, Gingrich doesn't even bother to pretend to be a good sport. Debra J. Saunders -- 2/7/12
Mitt Romney touts endorsement by former Gov. Pete Wilson -- Mitt Romney on Monday announced his endorsement by former California Gov. Pete Wilson, who became both honorary chairman of Romney's campaign in California and a quick target of immigrant rights groups. -- 2/7/12
-
06 Feb ' 18:30
February 6, 2012 5:04 PMUpdates since early This Morning Occupy Oakland is target of protest -- A tense face-off between Occupy Oakland activists and members of a new group formed to protest their tactics erupted this afternoon in front of Oakland City Hall, with both sides accusing each other of missing the point of the Occupy movement. Demian Bulwa, Kevin Fagan in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 2/6/12
Jerry Brown's tax-initiative rivals dismiss governor's concerns -- Proponents of two efforts to place tax initiatives on the November ballot to fund education were dismissive Monday of concerns voiced by the head of a third effort -- Gov. Jerry Brown -- that a proliferation of initiatives could turn off voters. Nicholas Riccardi and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Molly Munger pledges to put her money into qualifying tax hike -- Molly Munger isn't backing down in her effort to qualify a ballot measure that would hike taxes to provide more money to schools and early education programs. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/6/12
Jean Ross is leaving the California Budget Project -- She’ll be taking a position next month at the Ford Foundation as the U.S. Program Officer for Transparent, Effective, and Accountable Government. Josh RichmanPolitical Blotter -- 2/6/12
Jerry Brown takes in more cash for his initiative to hike taxes -- California Gov. Jerry Brown has reported another $485,000 for his tax-raising measure, bringing the total amount in his campaign account to more than $2.2 million. Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Report: Mixed grades for Gov. Jerry Brown's school proposals -- The state’s top budget analyst praised several aspects of Gov. Jerry Brown’s school funding proposals in a report released Monday, but he repeated his concerns about the tax plan the governor says will save education from billions in cuts. Chris Megerian LA Times PolitiCal -- 2/6/12
Initiatives to raise taxes could crowd California's ballot in November -- Proponents of a millionaire's tax said Monday they would immediately begin collecting signatures for a November ballot initiative to raise income taxes on California's wealthiest residents, even as Gov. Jerry Brown and another group push their own tax-hike campaigns. JULIET WILLIAMSAP -- 2/6/12
Jerry Brown's Taxing Challenge -- At a political retreat last week in Santa Monica, Steve Glazer, a trusted political advisor to Gov. Jerry Brown, offered an assurance. "There will be only one tax measure" facing voters in November, Glazer asserted. But getting there is the hard part. Kevin Riggs KNBC Prop Zero -- 2/6/12
Longtime Capitol staff member Jerry McFetridge dies suddenly -- Word circulated early today at the Capitol that longtime staff member and consultant Britton "Jerry" McFetridge died suddenly over the weekend at his home in Clarksburg. He was 72. Dan Smith SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/6/12
Obama administration rejects California's Medi-Cal copays -- Federal health officials rejected California's bid to charge Medi-Cal copayments for everything from drugs to hospital visits, dealing a new blow to the state budget but relief to low-income patients and their providers. Kevin Yamamura SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/6/12
California may join multi-state mortgage settlement -- California has until Monday to share in a multi-state deal with banks to obtain mortgage relief and reforms. Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, who walked away from talks last year, says the door remains open. Alejandro Lazo in the Los Angeles TimesHoward Mintz in the San Jose MercuryTorey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 2/6/12
Gay marriage: Appeals court to decide fate of Prop. 8 on Tuesday -- Regardless of how a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decides the case, its ruling is very likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could decide next year whether gays and lesbians nationwide have the right to marry. Maura Dolan in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Alberto Contador stripped of 2010 Tour de France title -- Alberto Contador has been found guilty of doping and was stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title Monday by sport's highest court. Chuck Schilken in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Fox: Indiana Super Bowl Bodes Well For Downtown LA Stadium -- Congratulations to Indianapolis for putting on a grand super week that in some way might give a boost to Los Angeles’s hope of getting an NFL team and those who are promoting the downtown stadium plan. Joel FoxFox & Hounds -- 2/6/12
A break for the father of the top-two primary -- As a state senator in 2009, Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria leveraged the state's impending fiscal collapse to create a new statewide primary election system that he hoped would reward moderates. Timm Herdt in the Ventura Star -- 2/6/12
Romney names Pete Wilson honorary CA chair -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney today announced the endorsement of former California Gov. Pete Wilson, and named him the Romney campaign’s honorary California chairman. Josh RichmanPolitical BlotterDan Smith SacBee Capitol AlertNicholas Riccardi LA Times PolitiCal -- 2/6/12
California jobs at risk as defense budget cuts loom -- Tens of thousands of California jobs are at stake as the Pentagon rolls out plans to reduce its budget for the first time since the 1990s. Yousur Alhlou in the Santa Cruz Sentinel -- 2/6/12
GOP businessman joins field challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein -- Conservative Oceanside businessman Dan Hughes has joined the field of largely unknown Republican candidates challenging Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's reelection bid this year. Jean Merl in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
-
06 Feb ' 04:56
February 6, 2012 1:57 AMBudgets were tight, but some California lawmakers got extra money last year -- With California billions behind on its budget and public services shrinking, the Assembly collectively tightened its belt last year – but not all of its members did. Records released under court order show that Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez boosted the budgets of six members by tens of thousands of dollars apiece despite the fiscal emergency. Jim Sanders -- 2/6/12
Cal Grant participation connected to default rates -- The law cracks down for the first time on schools with high student loan default rates, meaning graduates aren't paying back the money they owe even three years after leaving school. Nanette Asimov -- 2/6/12
California pot industry's next move: Ballot initiative for state regulation -- A proposed ballot initiative aimed for the November elections begs a key question looming over California's medical marijuana industry: Can stricter state regulation keep the federal government from shutting it down? Peter Hecht -- 2/6/12
Walters: Community colleges face change in California -- California's 112 community colleges, the nation's largest higher education system, may change a lot if Gov. Jerry Brown has his way. -- 2/6/12
California negotiating with banks over mortgage settlement -- California is back at the negotiating table to potentially take part in a multi-state deal with the nation's largest mortgage servicers over faulty foreclosure practices. Alejandro Lazo -- 2/6/12
-- 2/6/12
Congressional residences a tricky topic as some Valley House members live outside districts -- Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has a ranch in Atwater, a residence in Turlock and his wife and children with him in northern Virginia. His Democratic opponent has a family in Houston, while he seeks election in the San Joaquin Valley. Michael DoyleFresno Bee -- 2/6/12
Amid increasing partisanship, Valleycrats are dying off -- A storied Central Valley political hybrid, the moderate-to-conservative Valleycrat stressed regional loyalty first and foremost. Party labels were secondary. Bipartisan cooperation was commonplace, particularly on farm and water issues. Cross-party personal relationships were warm or at least respectful. Now? Not so much. John Ellis and Michael DoyleFresno Bee -- 2/6/12
Rick Orlov's Tipoff: Rick Caruso changes his party affiliation -- Developer Rick Caruso has left the GOP, signaling he is increasingly serious about his potential run for mayor in an overwhelmingly Democratic city. The lifelong Republican switched to decline-to-state in December. Rick OrlovLos Angeles Daily News -- 2/6/12
Trutanich surprises groups by listing them as backers -- With the race for district attorney heating up, Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich, the obvious front-runner, recently listed key supporters who endorse him, including the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Assn., the Los Angeles School Police Assn. and the National Assn. of Prosecuting Attorneys. The problem: It was news to them. Jack Leonard -- 2/6/12
New Latino groups sign of growing visibility -- Even though the League of United Latin American Citizens is the nation’s oldest national Latino civil-rights organization, it has only had a sporadic Inland presence. That may be ending, though, as evidenced by a sudden growth spurt and political involvement. DAVID OLSONRiverside Press -- 2/6/12
Skelton: A rational approach to rail -- California's proposed bullet train is being recalibrated. And designers may finally be on the right track. George Skelton -- 2/6/12
CalBuzz: Jerry’s Fast Train: A Big Idea That Could Crash -- With the California Federation of Teachers, the California Nurses Association, the Courage Campaign and civil rights lawyer Molly Munger all mucking up his plans for a ballot measure seeking a temporary tax hike (not to mention some disgruntled unions bitching about where he’s getting funding for his measure), you gotta wonder why Gov. Jerry Brown has also taken on high speed rail as a cause. Jerry Roberts and Phil TrounstineCalBuzz -- 2/6/12
Occupy Bernal, Petaluma zero in on foreclosures -- Tim Nonn blamed himself when he and his wife lost their Petaluma house to foreclosure 18 months ago after his job was outsourced and her store fell victim to the economic downturn. Carolyn Said -- 2/6/12
Occupy L.A. seeks return of murals painted at City Hall camp -- The city is looking for institutions that would store and display the works salvaged after protesters were ousted. But Occupy L.A. says the murals 'were made for the people and they belong to the people.' Ari Bloomekatz -- 2/6/12
Backlash to rural protection fee expected -- Some say a $150-per-dwelling fee will prompt rural communities to annex to cities or find other ways to leave state fire jurisdiction. JIM MILLERRiverside Press -- 2/6/12
Economy - Jobs California public employees among highest paid in country, firefighters at the top -- Public employees in California were among the best paid in the nation in 2010, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau last week. J.D. VelascoSan Gabriel Tribune -- 2/6/12
San Bernardino poised to lay off 77 employees -- The City Council today will vote on recommendations to lay off 77 employees of its now defunct economic/redevelopment agencies - 33 civil service employees and 44 contract employees, City Attorney James F. Penman said Friday. Joe NelsonSan Bernardino Sun -- 2/6/12
Latinos, hit hard by job losses, are making strong comeback -- As the economic rebound picks up a bit of steam, Latinos are scoring bigger job gains than most other demographic groups and proving to be a bright spot in the fledgling recovery. Don Lee -- 2/6/12
Local cities report sales taxes are increasing; property taxes remain flat -- There's plenty of talk these days about how the economy is looking up, thanks to a bit more hiring, more consumer spending and an upswing in consumer optimism. Now the sales tax data to support that optimism are showing up in local government offices. Loretta Kalb -- 2/6/12
Seattle plans for a new basketball arena, eyes Sacramento Kings -- The Seattle Times reported it obtained documents Friday indicating that city's mayor's office has been working behind the scenes with a San Francisco businessman who hopes to buy a team and bring it to Seattle if an arena can be financed. Tony Bizjak and Ryan Lillis -- 2/6/12
Tech salaries rising in Sacramento, survey says -- Salaries for tech professionals are on the rise in Sacramento, says technology careers site Dice.com, pointing to a more competitive market early in 2012. -- 2/6/12
Foreclosures at the high end increase -- Throughout affluent communities in the Bay Area, million-dollar-and-up homes are increasingly being lost to foreclosure, or sold as a last resort for far less than their mortgages. Pete Carey in the San Jose Mercury -- 2/6/12
Fensterwald: More CalSTRS pressure on lawmakers -- What a difference a quarter of 1 percent makes. The decision last week by the board of the California State Teachers Retirement System to lower the expected rate of return on investments from 7.75 percent to 7.50 percent equates to an additional $475 million that school districts and the State Legislature must contribute annually to make up for the shortfall and keep the pension fund healthy. John Fensterwaldeducatedguess -- 2/6/12
Cal State Northridge students stress out under tightened enrollment -- Thousands remain in limbo as the over-enrolled campus imposes class and credit limits to avoid a $7-million fine. Carla Rivera in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Assemblyman renews fight against illegal school fees -- AB 1575, sponsored by Assemblyman Ricardo Lara, D-South Gate, would require school superintendents and county offices to conduct annual reviews of all policies and practices at their local districts to ensure no unlawful fees are charged. Corey G. JohnsonCalifornia Watch -- 2/6/12
The cost of dying: It's hard to reject care even as costs soar -- Every night before putting on his pajamas, Dad emptied the coins from his pockets. The special ones he placed in an album, but most went into a jar to be saved. So how could the hospital bill for the final days of this frugal man -- with carefully prepared end-of-life instructions -- add up to $323,000 in just 10 days? Lisa M. Krieger in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 2/6/12
San Onofre nuclear power plant incidents draw attention -- A radiation leak, the discovery of tube damage and a worker falling into a reactor pool all happened within days of one another. Esmeralda Bermudez in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Energy cells help power Century City skyscraper -- Century City skyscraper Constellation Place, formerly known as MGM Tower, is the first Los Angeles high-rise to be served by electricity-generating fuel cells. Landlord JMB Realty installed two Bloom Energy Servers that will produce 400 kilowatts of power, about one-third of the electricity needed by the 35-story tower. Roger Vincent in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Disclosing greenhouse gas emissions boosts business, study finds -- New research shows it can pay to be green. A pair of California business school researchers has found that companies that disclose greenhouse gas emissions enjoy an immediate rise in stock value and positive returns to shareholders. Susanne RustCalifornia Watch -- 2/6/12
Unified by the coin of their realm -- Now, Bernal Heights is taking its experiment in localism one step further, adopting what is believed to be the country's first "complementary currency" in the form of a debit card. Lee Romney in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Eliana Lopez hires lawyers in Ross Mirkarimi case -- San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi's wife, who so far has refused to cooperate with investigators in the domestic-violence case against him, has herself a new set of lawyers - including one who has experience with a closemouthed client. in the -- 2/6/12
Santa Clara County supervisors to consider $1.2 million in vouchers to house 100 chronically homeless -- Except for a few stints at a shelter, Mark Quinlan has spent the past few years living in Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, right across the street from the San Jose Fairmont Hotel. He calls the park "the affordable Fairmont." Tracy Seipel in the San Jose Mercury -- 2/6/12
A Foot in the Door in Silicon Valley -- In a land where the uniform — jeans, hoodies and flip-flops — is purposefully nonchalant, and where no one would be caught dead in a tie, wearing flashy socks is more than an expression of your personality. It signals that you are part of the in crowd. CLAIRE CAIN MILLER and NICK BILTON in the New York Times -- 2/6/12
Probation officers shift focus from punishment to collaboration -- The technique, known as motivational interviewing or MI, is one of several nonconfrontational approaches coming back into vogue with realignment, California's recent overhaul of its criminal justice system. Tracey Kaplan in the San Jose Mercury -- 2/6/12
Increasing use of facial recognition software spurs privacy concerns -- When several armed robberies occurred recently in Lancaster, Calif., police had little of use on the two suspects. Then, a reliable image of one suspect turned up from a surveillance camera. G.W. SchulzCalifornia Watch -- 2/6/12
POTUS 44 Obama: U.S. in 'lockstep' with Israel on Iran -- President Barack Obama said Sunday that he’s committed to working in “lockstep” with Israel to try to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, as concern is rising in the U.S. and overseas about a possible Israeli strike on Iran that could unleash violence across the Middle East. JOSH GERSTEIN -- 2/6/12
In Colorado, 'anybody but Obama' may not be good enough -- The president has disappointed many independents in the swing state, but they are even less happy with the Republican candidates. Michael Finnegan in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
Obama holds edge over Romney in general election matchup, poll finds -- Boosted by improved public confidence in his economic stewardship, President Obama for the first time holds a clear edge over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a hypothetical general-election matchup, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Dan Balz and Jon Cohen in the Washington Post -- 2/6/12
Nevada caucuses: Ron Paul underwhelms -- But in a state where expectations for his campaign were higher than anywhere else to date, the Texas congressman’s third-place finish marked an underwhelming outcome for a candidate whose strategy is predicated on running well in caucus states like Nevada. JAMES HOHMANNPolitico -- 2/6/12
GOP torn again over tax extension -- Republicans, once again, face a defining choice less than a month before the payroll tax holiday expires. JAKE SHERMAN and MANU RAJUPolitico -- 2/6/12
On 'Saturday Night Live,' Newt Gingrich is moon president -- As Newt Gingrich was holding a news conference in Las Vegas on Saturday night to discuss the way forward for his campaign after another Mitt Romney victory, an alternate reality was playing out on the eighth-floor stage of "Saturday Night Live," a future in which Gingrich was president. Of the moon. Michael A. Memoli in the Los Angeles Times -- 2/6/12
-
05 Feb ' 02:19
February 5, 2012 2:12 AMNurses flex their political muscle in Sacramento and across California -- Rose Ann DeMoro is always ready for another fight. And why not? During the past decade, the leader of the California Nurses Association has won so many of her battles. Darrell SmithPhillip Reese -- 2/5/12
Morain: Rulings let big campaign donors throw their weight around -- Unless you're steeped in Idaho politics, you've probably never heard of Frank VanderSloot. But the wealthy Republican businessman and people like him around the country are wielding outsized influence on the 2012 presidential election. Dan Morain -- 2/5/12
Walters: Democrats may be Jerry Brown's big hurdle on budget -- Gov. Jerry Brown and his fellow Democrats in the Legislature settled on a hastily revised state budget last June – after Brown had vetoed legislators' first version – and pronounced it to be balanced and timely. Dan WaltersSacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
High-speed rail's coming battle: Powerful land owners -- If you want to build a rail line between Anaheim and San Francisco, people are going to have to get out of the way. Literally. BRIAN JOSEPH -- 2/5/12
Lopez: High-speed rail ... or fail? -- A bullet train official tries to answer tough questions about soaring costs and judging the risks of new technology. Can it be built faster, better and cheaper? Steve Lopez -- 2/5/12
Borenstein: With $2.4 billion Contra Costa retirement debt, no one should pop champagne corks -- Contra Costa County's finances resemble those of a family that ran up astronomical credit card debts by spending beyond its means. Daniel BorensteinContra Costa Times -- 2/5/12
Lawmakers’ cars going, going ... gone! -- The Legislature has spent the last two months selling cars it had previously purchased for lawmakers, a move mandated by the California Citizens Compensation Commission's decision to cut the car perk legislators have enjoyed for decades. Sacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
See the sale prices for California legislators' state cars -- The state Legislature has taken a loss of more than $1 million on the sale of dozens of cars it had purchased for legislators over the years. Torey Van Oot -- 2/5/12
Big cities cautious about privatizing parking after Chicago's effort -- Sacramento doesn't have many role models to follow as it tries to auction off its parking garages and meters to help finance a new sports arena. Dale KaslerSacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
Vorderbrueggen: Reform plot worthy of a Hollywood script -- In his hourlong speech plugging his state budgeting overhaul initiative, the über-gregarious Hertzberg delivered a Hollywood-worthy tale about his first encounter with the "homeless billionaire" and the man who would later resuscitate the dying measure with cash. Lisa Vorderbrueggen -- 2/5/12
Willie Brown: 49ers' NFL loan moves team closer to Santa Clara -- The $200 million that the National Football League just handed to the 49ers for their new stadium is the end of any hope the team will stay in San Francisco. Willie Brown -- 2/5/12
Mieulis, Yorks feud over value of 49ers -- Heirs of the late sportsman Franklin Mieuli say San Francisco 49ers owners John and Denise DeBartolo York and their son Jed are trying to cheat them out of millions of dollars. Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross -- 2/5/12
New help for our wounded warriors -- Should post-9/11 veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan receive more benefits and services than veterans of previous wars? Foon RheeSacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
Police hold smaller Occupy Oakland protest in check -- A week after a violent protest by Occupy demonstrators resulted in more than 400 arrests, calm reigned Saturday night as a small crowd of about 100 marchers was turned away from the Oakland Police Department, then paraded around downtown and North Oakland. Kevin Fagan, Vivian Ho, Will Kane, Michael CabanatuanAlan Lopez -- 2/5/12
Taxes - Fees Red-light cameras boost coffers, rile drivers -- California has the most expensive red-light camera tickets in the world - the fine is so steep that one camera in Oakland generates more than $3 million a year - and a Fremont man is launching a protest group to do something about that. Kevin Fagan -- 2/5/12
Jerry Brown's call for fewer school tests conflicts with state's new education blueprint -- Want to make a public school teacher cringe? Say the words high-stakes testing. Tests, test and more tests. Teachers unions rail against them. Parents complain about the time their kids spend taking them. Academics disagree over their value. Diana LambertSacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
Hiltzik: Who really benefits from putting high-tech gadgets in classrooms? -- How much genuine value is there in fancy educational electronics? Don't let companies or politicians fool you. Michael Hiltzik -- 2/5/12
L.A. hospital accused of patient-dumping -- Public Counsel, a pro-bono law firm, filed a suit alleging elder abuse, false imprisonment and hospital negligence. The firm also turned the information over to the Los Angeles city attorney's office for review. Anna Gorman -- 2/5/12
Sacrificing the desert to save the Earth -- Construction cranes rise like storks 40 stories above the Mojave Desert. In their midst, the "power tower" emerges, wrapped in scaffolding and looking like a multistage rocket. Julie Cart -- 2/5/12
Federal appellate court rejects Forest Service plan for Sierra -- A federal appellate court has struck down as unlawful a 2004 management plan for Sierra Nevada national forests formulated by George W. Bush's administration, saying it lacks a required analysis of how fish will fare under the plan. Denny WalshSacramento Bee -- 2/5/12
California casino tribes kick out some members -- Two casino-owning tribes in California have thinned their membership ranks over the last several months, cutting off scores of people from a share of casino profits and other benefits of tribal membership. SUDHIN THANAWALAAP -- 2/5/12
Romney is on a roll after big win in Nevada -- Coasting to an easy victory over his GOP rivals in the Nevada caucuses, Mitt Romney keeps his focus on President Obama as the nominating contest moves to Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri. Mark Z. Barabak
Nevada caucuses 2012: Newt Gingrich presses forward -- Newt Gingrich may have wandered aimlessly in the desert for the last few days, but he’s determined to emerge from defeat in Nevada with a national game plan. GINGER GIBSONPolitico -- 2/5/12
Search the Site
